Pumpkin Spice Syrup...

I've been anticipating fall for a while, but couldn't really get my heart into it until this weekend.  Wow, was it gorgeous!   There was that distinct chill in the air, football on the tv and pumpkin spice lattes in our hands.  I also put out some fall decorations, and I'm dying to go to the pumpkin patch!  It's scheduled for the 9th, but I can't wait! 

{the inaugural pumpkin spice latte of 2010}

 I crossed the first thing of my Autumn List and made pumpkin spice syrup.  Oh man, this stuff is so good you guys! 

Some of you asked for the recipe, so I'm going to share my adaptation of this recipe.  It's essentially the same, but with a couple tweaks to the directions, and I just use regular old ingredients instead of organic.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

ingredients:

1 1/4 cup water
3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 cup molasses
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups whipping cream

directions:

• Simmer water and sugar in large saucepan (I think I used the 3 quart) until sugar has completely dissolved.

• While sugar is dissolving, prepare all other ingredients so they can be easily added.
• Add in molasses, sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream and pumpkin
• Bring to a boil and simmer, constantly whisking, until temperature reaches 230 degrees F.  {I've found this takes about 25 minutes...It helps to have a husband to help stir, but I would not recommend help from children, as it is very hot!}
• Add in spices, and continue whisking and simmering until mixture reaches 235 degrees F.  {This shouldn't take long}
• Let cool and pour into a wide mouth jar.  Store in refrigerator.

Making a pumpkin spice latte with your syrup:

• put 1-2 tablespoons syrup in the bottom of your mug. {if it's straight from the fridge, you may want to microwave for 10-20 seconds, just to take the chill out so it doesn't cool down your coffee}
• pour 2 shots espresso over syrup and stir.
• froth 1/2 cup milk and pour over coffee
• stir and top with whipped cream, nutmeg or sugar

Seriously, just as good if not better than Starbucks, and way more budget friendly!  I would imagine this syrup would be great in drip coffee as well.  I really don't think you can  go wrong!

Let me know if you try it, how you like it! 

How was your weekend?  Does it feel like fall where you are?